“Working with weights can be the most beneficial or the most detrimental thing you can do for your body,” Fred Stellabotte and Rachel Straub write in the first chapter of their book, Weight Training Without Injury: Over 350 Step-by-Step Pictures Including What Not to Do!

~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-ninety-four-page over-sized paperback targets those interested in how to lift weights and train without getting injured. With detailed colored photographs, it focuses on what to do and what not to do when working out.

After a foreword by Linda E. Savage, Ph.D., and introduction, the book is divided into seven sections, ending with a conclusion, reference abbreviations, endnotes, authors’ biographies, and index. Beginning with two chapters about establishing an efficient workout and selecting an individualized program, the manual concentrates on legs, back, chest, shoulders, arms, and core, showing both free and circuit weight training.

Covering a myriad of workout routines, each chapter has equipment options, key points for safety, master techniques, and detailed illustrations. From the leg press, lat pulldown, chest fly, or shoulder raise, also are biceps curl, crunches, and the plank to name a few.

~ Why ~
The best part of this comprehensive book is the plethora of pictures that include a woman past the age fifty years old, showing how you could get injured or do it wrong and how to do it right using red and blue highlighted lines on the photographs. I loved knowing I should not be using the Roman chair with my bad back as it could be harmful to me.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like that the book covers more on free weights compared to the circuit machines. I noticed many of the machines I use were not included such as the stomach cruncher, outer and inner thigh reducer, step-up weighted pull-up bar, and downward pushes or pull back arm units.

~ Who ~
An expert in bodybuilding and US Navy veteran, Stellabotte has been developing weight training programs regarding proper form and injury prevention for over fifty years. Straub is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has co-authored scientific papers in several fields.

~ Wish ~
Although I greatly appreciate this book, I wish it had more up-to-date information on newer machines by Paramount and others that are at my gym. Knowing the book is strictly for weight-training, it would be nice to include briefly using the elliptical or treadmill (although these are cardio machines).

~ Want ~
If you are looking for an educational book on how to do weight-training the correct, not incorrect way, this is a keeper. Having switched from swimming to weights when I turned 50 eight years ago, I can contest weight training helps me shed unwanted pounds and keeps my muscles in better shape.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars.

Thanks to the authors for furnishing this complimentary book in exchange for a review based on my unbiased, honest opinion.

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